Pochettino eyes highly-rated playmaker, Barcelona and Bayern could throw spanner in the works

According to Marca, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing Giorgi Chakvetadze, a highly-rated playmaker from Gent. The 19-year-old has been in fine form in the Jupiler Pro League this season, contributing six goals in 15 games, and finds himself linked with a host of clubs around European as a result.

Barcelona, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern Munich and Bournemouth are among the sides reportedly keen on his signature, so Tottenham have their work cut out trying to convince Chakvetadze to come to London. Mauricio Pochettino could be a lure for the teenager, however.

The Tottenham boss has developed a number of young talents into regular first-team players – Dele Alli, Harry Winks, Eric Dier – but it’s unknown if there’s been any dialogue between the Premier League side and Gent over Chakvetadze’s availability.

The Georgian international has scored five goals in seven caps for his country and can play in a variety of attacking roles behind the striker. If the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are keen on his signature, clearly Chakvetadze could have a bright career under the right guidance.

Spurs have a more fervent need to strengthen their centre-back options due to Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s uncertain futures in addition to combative roles in midfield to replace Mousa Dembele and Vincent Wanyama, but Chakvetadze could be a stellar creative addition.